Abstract (in English)

In The Pre-Hispanic America, The Aztec named it “Xocolatl” “The drink of Gods”. In South America, the first registered reference of the cocoa’s fruit was at the General Office of the harbor Master in Venezuela on 1579. Rodrigo de Arguelles and Gaspar de Parraga mentioned “The possibility to transport this fruits to Spain”. There is a reference in the year 1602, of 10.000 plants of cocoa to be located close to the Maracaibo Lake. This area was populated by the “Cuicas” Indians who used the cocoa for ceremonies. They named the drink “Chorote” after the toasted and grinding seed.
The Cocoa became one of the most market products in Europe and America. Since 1607, there is a reference regarding the exportation of this fruit. In 1631, there are registers showed about 2.000 “fanegas” of cocoa exported mostly to México and Spain. Between the XVII and XVIII century, the cocoas market was introduced to the most important maritime-commercial routes of the region. A very important maritime traffic was established among the consumer and producer Countries of the fruit.
The Cocoa production in Venezuela generated a transformation of the landscape and the creation of new population centers, the construction of a new substructure and services like irrigation systems, roads, system of supports and ports. The commercial exchange left deep Cultural treads in the countries who participated on this process. On the other hand, the use of the African slaves to take care of the plantations generated a mix of cultures between the African and local traditions which remain nowadays.
The Cultural Itinerary that was generated by the cocoas market among these 3 countries is showed these days in the transcendence of the humanity heritage into our culture